2nd time mommies who BF

Soon_2B_MrsM · April 2010

I am checking out Nipple shields on amazon.com there are so many to choose from, does anyone know which ones work, which ones are great, and which ones are not so great? Or if they are useful at all???

I am trying to get prepared for my breastfeeding adventure.

Thanks!

mrsw1007 · April 2010

You may not need them. I know this is an odd question but if your nipples stick (not inverted) out you should be ok. If you need one the hospital lactation consultant will provide one that fits you.

august282005 · April 2010

Meet with a lactation consultant during your hospital stay and go from there. You may not need them or you may - the LC will be able to tell you exactly which one to get.

BrittH05 · April 2010

Yea I wouldn't get those now. I don't know many people who needed them and the lactation consultant can help you get what you need should you need them.

Soon_2B_MrsM · April 2010

My nipples are not inverted, however I think I am afraid of them being tender, they are tender now! But you are both right I may not need them. I think i am just a little nervous, I really want to breastfeed, and do it well. Thanks so much.

acppa · April 2010

Do you know for sure that you'll need them? I think they are only for those with latch issues which you can't predict before trying to BF.

I didn't need them but if I did I would contact a local lactation consultant (LC) and see what they recommend. Your Drs office should have numbers for local LCs or maybe try the hospital.

Dobie_Mama · April 2010

I wouldn't get any yet. Like the PP's have said, they're for latch issues. We didn't need them. Everyone's nipples are tender the first bit, but you adapt. If you want to stock up on something to help with that, buy some Lansinoh lanolin & Soothies (the cooling breast pads). Those help!

disbride061103 · April 2010

I would not buy a nipple shield until you determine if you need one or not. If you have inverted or flat nipples (like I do) you may need one after your LO arrives. I tried to nurse without one, but DS couldn't latch. My hospital had nipple shields and they gave me two of them and fitted me for the correct size the day DS was born.

I honestly wouldn't go into bf'ing thinking you are going to use one. They are a huge PITA. I was never able to wean DS off the shield and I nursed until he self weaned at 9 1/2 months. I'm hoping that I'll be able to nurse without one this time.

ReneeDerek04 · April 2010

If you are afraid of them getting tender, I would get the soothies breastpads. I think they are a Lansinoh or Gerber product, they're exactly like a regular breastpad but they have gel inside that you can freeze or refrigerate for comfort. The breastshields are for latching issues, and will actually cause MORE discomfort if you don't need them. The only other way to ensure your nipples don't get tender is to make sure your LO latches on correctly. My DS took to BFing very well, and aside from some cracking from his vigorous sucking before my milk came in I had virtually no discomfort at all.

Also, you can use lanolin to keep your nipples moist and alleviate discomfort caused by dry nipples cracking. I got LOTS of this at the hospital, though I will say that buying a tub of udder cream is nicer. The udder cream isn't as thick, sticky, or heavily scented, and yes it's just what it sounds like. The hospital grade lanolin is uncomfortable to put on when it's not easy to spread.

bmk112302 · April 2010

You should really do your research on nipple shields. They are only really necessary in a very few cases. Some lactation consultants will recommend them b/c it makes things easier but in the end it actually interferes with breastfeeding and production. I was given them and it was really hard to wean off of it but once I did I actually was much better off. You might check on kellymom.com. They are an excellent source for breastfeeding questions.

Soon_2B_MrsM · April 2010

Wow you guys are a wealth of knowledge, thanks so much!

618mom22boys · April 2010

august282005:
Meet with a lactation consultant during your hospital stay and go from there. You may not need them or you may - the LC will be able to tell you exactly which one to get.

This!! I went to an LC and she tried different ones on until we found one that worked. She also did the same thing with the breastsheilds, there are so many different kinds out there. We tried tons until we found one where my nipple fit perfectly in.

ETA: We had a latch problem in the start due to DS being supplemented in the NICU. This time around I am going to try my hardest to not supplement or use a nipple shield.

And also like pp have said the creams are a life saver for the tenderness in the start!

august282005 · April 2010

ReneeDerek04:

I will say that buying a tub of udder cream is nicer. The udder cream isn't as thick, sticky, or heavily scented, and yes it's just what it sounds like. The hospital grade lanolin is uncomfortable to put on when it's not easy to spread.

Did you need to wash off your nips before nursing when using the udder cream? I *hated* the lanolin for the very reason you mentioned but didn't know there was an alternative.

eris1995 · April 2010

Don't get a nipple shield yet. That's just something you'll have to wean from. Many women don't need them. If you have trouble bf'ing a lactation consultant will be able to tell you if you should use them and which size.

happy-honey · April 2010

I never used one, never needed it. A friend used one in the beginning and she grew to hate it. I would say use one only if absolutely necessary.

ReneeDerek04 · April 2010

august282005:
ReneeDerek04:

I will say that buying a tub of udder cream is nicer. The udder cream isn't as thick, sticky, or heavily scented, and yes it's just what it sounds like. The hospital grade lanolin is uncomfortable to put on when it's not easy to spread.

Did you need to wash off your nips before nursing when using the udder cream? I *hated* the lanolin for the very reason you mentioned but didn't know there was an alternative.

With the udder cream it wasn't nearly as thick, so I would wipe my nips with a wet washcloth but it wasn't really necessary. It seemed to soak in a LOT better, and it smells better too. Added bonus, it didn't dye my bras if I forgot to put a breastpad in them, and it wasn't as sticky. Nothing hurt worse than peeling off a breastpad that had literally glued itself to my nips!

PlainandTall · April 2010

bmk112302:
You should really do your research on nipple shields. They are only really necessary in a very few cases. Some lactation consultants will recommend them b/c it makes things easier but in the end it actually interferes with breastfeeding and production. I was given them and it was really hard to wean off of it but once I did I actually was much better off. You might check on kellymom.com. They are an excellent source for breastfeeding questions.

Exactly this. If in the rare case you do need them- you can get them at that time, but I'm afraid that too many women use them without understanding that they can cause as many problems long term as they help short term. But good for you for thinking ahead and wanting to be prepared. I always suggest going to some LLL meetings before the baby is born. (you don't have to pay or be a member to attend- you can make up your mind about that later.)

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